CLIENT

Inverness Westlink

PROJECT TIMEFRAME

April – June 2017

ABOUT THE PROJECT

This project involved the construction of Roads and Bridgeworks from Holm Roundabout (B862 Dores Road) to A82 Glenurquhart Road comprising approx. 2.2km of 7.3m wide single carriageway road, 4 roundabouts, a new three span bridge over the River Ness and 2 underpasses all with associated drainage, earthworks, fencing and walls, landscaping, new access tracks/paths, road lighting, car park and coach turning area along with the installation of new services and supplies.

The construction of the Canal Parks Enhancement Clubhouse comprising a new 8 room two-storey changing and clubhouse facility along with the installation of new services/supplies. The construction of Canal Parks Enhancement Rugby Pitches comprising a new all-weather pitch to International Rugby Board standards and two grass pitches, boundary fencing, ball stop fencing and pitch lighting along with the installation of drainage and new electrical services/supplies.

A key challenge within the project was the Ness Bridge Construction:

Ness Bridge – Challenges:

  • Tight works programme for in-river works – 3.5 months only
  • Variable and dynamically changing river flow values
  • Extraordinary water surge from SSE Hydropower Plant
  • Protection to environment during in-river works
  • Maintenance of access to the river for third party users: anglers, kayakers, canoeists, walkers
  • Invasive species mitigation measures in works area
  • Superstructure installation

Ness Bridge in numbers:

  • Overall length 176m (53m + 70m +53m)
  • 4 supports – 2 abutments + 2 in-river piers
  • Composite superstructure – 6 steel girders with concrete deck
  • Steel beam height – variable 1.8 – 3.5m
  • 3750m3 of concrete
  • 1150t of structural steel
  • 590t of rebar
  • 28no. of bridge bearings
  • Works Completion Date – October 2017

Ness Bridge – Temporary Works:

  • 2 working platforms – artificial islands in the river
  • 2000 no. dumpy bags
  • 6000t temporary fill
  • 3 temporary bailey bridges – 12m, 15.5m, 22.5m
  • 2 cofferdams – 12m & 15m deep
  • 800m3 concrete to plug the excavation in cofferdams

Ness Bridge – Superstructure Assembly and Installation

  • Assembly on the ground – 3 months
  • Installation on supports – 2 weeks
  • Connections – 2 months
  • Installation – 9 pairs of steel beams to be lifted:
    • 190t @ 54.5m radius
    • 140t @ 85.5m radius

Installation Videos